Improvements to the Z-Level Rough Cutting with Multi-Tool Command in CAM-TOOL V18.1

1 – Changes in toolpath strategy when machining flat surfaces

In version V17.1, cutting layers are processed sequentially from top to bottom, as shown in the illustration.

In version V18.1, the cutting order has been optimized more intelligently. When the software detects a flat machining surface, this surface is processed last, and only the flat area is machined. As a result, machining time is reduced because areas already cut by previous layers are not re-machined. In addition, the surface quality of the flat area is improved, as the cutting tool is under less load when the remaining cut is limited to the flat surface only.

• The upper and lower layers are machined first
• The final layer is the flat surface in the middle
• Machining is no longer performed strictly from top to bottom
• The final toolpath only cuts the flat surface area
• In the previous approach, the toolpath cut the entire Z layer across all three cutting layers

2 – Z step-down strategy for machining gentle sloped surfaces

In version V17.1, cutting layers are processed sequentially from top to bottom, as shown in the illustration.

In version V18.1, the cutting order has been intelligently modified. When the software detects a gently sloped machining surface, it processes the layers from bottom to top. This approach shortens machining time by avoiding re-cutting areas that were already machined in previous layers. Furthermore, surface quality is improved because the cutting tool experiences reduced load when the remaining material consists only of the gently sloped surface.